Childhood obesity has reached, in Brazil and around the world, diverse social groups. One of the reasons has been the high consumption of ultra-processed foods, substituting the consumption of natural foods. The factors behind the excessive consumption of these foods are many, from easy access and practicality in preparation, to their extremely low cost.
What are ultra-processed foods?
According to the Fapesp Research Magazine, ultra-processed foods “are industrialised foods which have high levels of sugar, fats, salt and chemical compositions that increase their durability and give more aroma, colour and flavour to the food.” (1)
But aside from obesity, other Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (CNCDs), such as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemias (such as high cholesterol) – associated with a bad diet – have also increased all over the world.
“Data from Vigitel 2014 (an inquiry which evaluates risk factors for chronic illnesses) reveals that in Brazil, we have a prevalence of 50% of people who are overweight, 17.5% obese, 6.9% diabetic and 24.1% with hypertension. These numbers are, mostly, caused by the weakening of traditional dietary standards, based on natural or minimally processed foods, and the exacerbated consumption of ultraprocessed foods.” (2)
Hidden Hunger
The term hidden hunger was defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a deficiency in micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). It occurs when there is a dietary imbalance caused by the insufficient consumption of foods which are sources of these micronutrients, so essential to life, found in fruit, vegetables and greens, fish and vegetable oils, milk and its derivatives.
Hidden hunger doesn’t just affect individuals living in situations where there is a lack of food, but also those who consume food excessively; it is linked to inadequate nutrients, not inadequate food.
For example: deficiencies in Vitamin A, iron or zinc can cause not only stunted growth and development in children and adolescents, but can also compromise all age groups, affecting their immune system and predisposing them to chronic illnesses such as arterial hypertension, diabetes and osteoporosis.
“Hidden hunger is not a feeling. It is a long term illness which tends to manifest itself in health problems, and not in a growling stomach.” (3)
Why “Way Beyond Weight”?
“[The film] ‘Way Beyond Weight’ plunges into the theme of childhood obesity, discussing why 33% of Brazilian children weigh more than they should. The responses involve industry, advertising, the government and society in general. With real and alarming stories, the film promotes a discussion on childhood obesity in Brazil and around the world.” (4)
Everyday busyness often makes people opt for easier and apparently “more attractive” food. But a lack of financial resources or inadequate lodgings (where people don’t even have basic sanitation) are also important factors which have pushed a lot of families into accessing foods which are extremely cheap but also poor in nutrients.
This is why, at our Dojo Project (jiu-jitsu) we concern ourselves with offering a natural and healthy snack, contributing to the children and adolescents changing their habits, discovering new flavours and nourishing themselves better after practising jiu-jitsu.
Find out more about our project here and if you want to contribute click here and make your donation.
NOTES
1 – Revista Pesquisa Fapesp, edition 281, July 2019. Article: Alimentos que engordam, Novas evidências indicam que o consumo de comidas ultraprocessadas favorece o ganho de peso. Available at: <https://revistapesquisa.fapesp.br/2019/07/10/alimentos-que-engordam>.
2 – Excerpt taken from the CREN (Centre for Nutritional Recuperation and Education) site. Article: Alimentos Ultraprocessados: como afetam a saúde. Available at: <http://www.cren.org.br/blog/2018/05/17/alimentos-ultraprocessados>.
3 – Excerpt taken from the A Pública, Agência de Jornalismo Investigativo (Public, Agency of Investigative Journalism) website. Special series: Microbolsas Fome. Article: A Fome que Come. Available at: <https://apublica.org/2019/03/a-fome-que-come/>.
4 – Excerpt taken from the official website for the film Way Beyond Weight. Available at: <https://muitoalemdopeso.com.br/sobre>.
